Unlike other cameras, the Samsung, which retails for around £220, has two LCD screens: the touchscreen on its back is partnered by a smaller LCD on its front, which is designed to help holiday-makers take self-portraits. Some commentators have described the two screens as a gimmick, but the award from Amateur Photographer, a 150-year-old institution of the photographic world, suggests that they may soon become a popular feature.

Damian Demolder, the Editor of Amateur Photographer, told the Telegraph that the camera was an example of "outstanding technology, even without the two screens. I'm certain other manufacturers will copy the two screens. Maybe not Nikon or Canon, but the cheaper brands will".

The awards also saw the rivalry between Canon and Nikon come to the fore. Both manufacturers have released very popular semi-professional cameras in the past 12 months - the Canon EOS 7D (which sells for around £1250) and the Nikon D300s (£1163) - but it was the Canon which was won Enthusiast Camera of the Year, mainly because of its 18-megapixel images. These deliver the sort of resolution used by professionals wanting to make very large fine art prints. "It's one of those products that everyone agrees is an exceptional piece of kit," Mr Demolder explained.

Better news for Nikon came at the professional end of the market. Its Nikon D3x, which delivers the highest-quality low-light pictures of any camera on the market, was named High-End Camera of the Year, beating a new, fourth incarnation of the Canon EOS 1D.